The "Just call someone and fix this" mentality. The Internal Side of Public Affairs (22)

Alan Hardacre, PhD

Co-Founder Advocacy Academy, Advocacy Strategy

If you’re a Public Affairs professional, you’ve likely heard this remark more times than you can count. I certainly did (and continue to do so). Whether it’s a senior executive, a colleague from another function, or even a client, the assumption that our work is only about making a quick phone call to a well-placed contact persists. While it’s flattering to think we have that kind of influence on speed dial, this mindset not only oversimplifies our role—it overlooks the real value Public Affairs brings. Public Affairs is not about shortcuts; it’s about having

. Yes a network of key relationships is crucial but (real) influence and impact aren’t achieved with a single phone call. It requires a deep understanding of the political and regulatory landscape, the policy challenges at play, and the perspectives of diverse stakeholders. The work of public affairs professionals is much more subtle and strategic than simply asking someone for a favor. So how do you manage the “just call someone” mentality?

From the very beginning, it’s important to communicate what Public Affairs truly entails. Our work goes far beyond making introductions or quick interventions. Success in Public Affairs is about understanding the right timing, crafting the right messages, and knowing when to engage (and with whom). It’s a delicate balancing act that requires careful planning and consistent engagement over time—not something that can be "fixed" with a single conversation. Make sure your organization knows that achieving their goals will involve sustained efforts, not quick fixes.

The 'make a call' suggestion often comes from people who do not really understand what Public Affairs involves. We need to take the time to explain the nuances of what we do (again and again). 

I also think, as I have written about quite a lot recently, much of the hard work that goes into a successful Public Affairs strategy isn’t visible to the rest of an organization. It is critical to be able to take your organization on your Public Affairs journey so that when you achieve success it is not seen as a one-off outcome of a convenient contact, but as the result of a carefully orchestrated plan-strategy.

We all need to keep pushing the narrative that Public Affairs is more than quick fixes—it’s about creating real, sustainable impact and value for an organization.

Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!